Frontiers in Pediatrics (Sep 2020)

Central Sleep Apnea Syndrome Can Complicate Neuromyelitis Optica Spectrum Disorder: A Case Report

  • Céline Morelli,
  • Alec Aeby,
  • Sonia Scaillet,
  • Sonia Scaillet,
  • Grammatina Boitsios,
  • Daphné Vens,
  • Daphné Vens,
  • Cynthia Prigogine,
  • Cynthia Prigogine,
  • Dominique Biarent,
  • Alfredo Vicinanza

DOI
https://doi.org/10.3389/fped.2020.547474
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 8

Abstract

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Neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder is a rare, relapsing autoimmune disease of the central nervous system. Various initial presentations can delay diagnosis and treatment. A 14-year-old girl was admitted to the emergency department owing to respiratory insufficiency. Repeated history-taking and neuroimaging revealed an area postrema syndrome. A diagnosis of neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder with positive aquaporin-4 antibodies has finally been established. The patient improved significantly with immunosuppressive therapy. However, her 3-year follow-up still showed sleep-disordered breathing requiring nocturnal bilevel positive airway pressure therapy. We report an original case of NMOSD leading to persistent central sleep apnea syndrome.

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